by Selene N.
Member since:
July 26, 2006

ARRRGGHH!! The Car Seat Failed Safety Inspection

December 19, 2006 09:21 PM EST
views: 99 | comments: 17

I am so mad. I just came back from the Police Department. My car seat did not pass the inspection. The car seat was a hand-me-down from a good friend at work. I was really excited when she gave me the car seat. It was a really fancy model. It was a 4-in-one, which could be used as an infant carrier, an infant car seat, an infant stroller, and a baby stroller. I was so proud and told everyone about this fancy car seat system I received. However, I did not realize that it was made in 1998. The police officer told me that the plastic structure was becoming loose and it could break under heavy impact. He said a safe car seat could not be more than 6 years old.

I am not complaining about the gift car seat. I loved it, and I know my friend was trying to save me money. I am just frustrated that I wasn't able to get this sooner (well, it would have been years sooner), and now I have an extra expense I did not expect. On top of that, I have to do it first thing tomorrow morning because I am running out of time. I checked the prices at Babies R Us (that is the only baby store I know of) and it looks like I have to spend around $150 that wasn't included in my budget. And I don't even know how long this kind of equipment will last (how fast the baby will grow out of it). Sigh.

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Comments: 17

Tab B. Dec 19, 2006, 9:24pm EST
That is always a bad thing. I don't even go to the Police Station. I would probably not pass inspections either for some reason or another. Although, actually all of my carseats are still no more than 4 years old. They would probably take one look at my sardine-packed back seat and tell me to get a van NOW! LOL!
Sherry Asbury Dec 19, 2006, 9:30pm EST
Again - rules to keep us safe, infringe on our lives.
Mary H. Dec 19, 2006, 9:31pm EST
The "technology" in baby gear is constantly changing. What was safe last year is dangerous this year. Who can keep up?

Selene, I pray that the Lord will provide for your needs. Congratulations again on your baby. They are a gift!!!
Nanci B Dec 19, 2006, 9:36pm EST
Call the AAA and ask them where you can find about the organizations in Virginia that will lend you a car seat or rent it or sell it for a dollar or something like that. I know there are groups there that do it. Or actually, call the PD and ask them. At least you found out before your baby was seriously injured or killed because of a faulty car seat and you can still use it as a stroller.
Jennine D. Dec 19, 2006, 9:46pm EST
I think a lot of the so called safety seats has to more with manufacuter's lobbying congress to upgrade in the name of greed. When my kids were little they did not have car seats and neither did I. Measuring the deaths of people comparatively from then to now is ridiculous too since we had less population back then and actually the roads were not as safe to travel on as now, More were narrow, two lane and twisty windy roads in some of the country. A lot of it is government propaganda. Sure maybe they do save lives but they don't often tell you of the deaths caused by car seats that are up to code. Babies affixiate it is unnatural the postion most are put in for riding. And they keep pushing to have car or booster seats for up to 12 years old. Sheesh give me a break a lot of 12 year olds are bigger than me. My 10 year old granddaughter is 2 inches shorter than me. I think there are pluses for car seats but also minuses. But the law says ya gotta use them so guess you better find one. Check out Shopko too or Big Lotts, K-Mart, shop around and ask for help. In fact take someone in the know with you. Ask your doctor for a recommendation as well in your budget range.
Susan *. Dec 19, 2006, 10:24pm EST
If you HAVE to buy a new car seat...go to TOYSRUS and take out their card FOR THAT DAY ONLY! With a new card you usually get a 20% off the top discount plus in your first bill you will get a discount for a future purchase...use both, pay off the card and cancel it! You can also sign up at TOYSRUS for a "wish list" and with that you get coupons too...either one will at least save you a little bit...and every little bit helps!
Tricia C. Dec 19, 2006, 11:22pm EST
Walmart, target and all those types of stores sell great carseats at a lower price than where you plan to go... I would try one of those places first...
William M. Dec 20, 2006, 1:43am EST
Terrible luck. If it is not safe it is best you found out.
Karolyn Q. Dec 20, 2006, 6:16am EST
I agree it is frustrating with the cost and everything considered but I want my son to have all the safety possible for him. My son will be 3 soon and he is on his second car seat. Just watch for the weight limit and get one that can last you the longest at the most reasonable cost. I remember shopping for baby items and was amazed of the price ranges of all things baby related. Car seats, strollers and cribs being the most common for vast price ranges.
Michelle W. Dec 20, 2006, 10:10am EST
Check Wal-Mart or Target or even K-Mart. They always have car seats and good ones, too. Plus they are much cheaper than Babies-R-Us. I didn't know that car seats had an expiration date either until my friend gave me one a couple of years ago. I am sure that by now it is outdated. I went to Big Lots to buy one today as they had some on sale, but of course they were sold out. At least I don't have my granddaughter in the car with me often, so I can probably wait a while before buying her one.
Amy S. Dec 20, 2006, 2:33pm EST
Before you give up and buy an expensive car seat, try your local Freecycle group. As a first time mom, expecting a daughter in late March, I have found that Freecycling can be a great way to get gently used baby gear. All it costs me is the gas to go pick up the item. In fact, in my area there was a recent post offering a nearly new Evenflo car seat. Good luck!
tats r. Dec 20, 2006, 2:50pm EST
Jen, I agree that children ages 12 should not be sitting in a car seat or booster seat. That's ridiculous!! They have shown that children in booster seats are no more protected than one sitting in a regular seat wearing a seat belt. All the headlines are kids in booster seats being saved compared to one not wearing a seat belt. Well, duh!!!

But I will say that car seats do save the smallest ones. The videos I have seen of crashes on the impact of an infant is scary. They definitely need to be strapped in. Once they get big enough though, the booster seat thing is a scam.
Selene N. Dec 21, 2006, 1:12am EST
Thanks everyone. I ended up getting a new one in Babies R Us. My due date is in 10 days and I just don't have the time and energy to shop around any more. I just want to get things done. I know I probably over-paid, but that's the price for procrastination.....

Amy - I also received a car seat from freecycle but it also expired. It's also too close to my due date and I cannot rely on someone to offer something in time for me to take them.
Carolyn K. Dec 21, 2006, 6:35pm EST
Don't you have a local FreeCycle list in your area? If you know what to look for you might also try the Salvation Army Stores.
capeach -. Dec 23, 2006, 6:17pm EST
Most car seat safety inspectors will advise against getting car seats second hand just because you can never be 100% sure that they haven't been in an accident (you have to replace them if they've been in an accident). You also aren't supposed to get the safety belt straps or tether straps wet because it can weaken the fabric. I'm glad you got a new one just to be safe! Babies R Us sends out coupons for a lot of baby items -- get on their list ASAP! You'll save a lot of money by using their coupons when you buy stuff on sale.
Bonnie Sayers Dec 24, 2006, 11:44am EST
You should never get a used or second hand car seat. The best one ever is the Britax husky and it will last the entire time your child needs to be in a car/booster seat.

The organization I subscribe to www.carseat.org and they have training for people to learn how to do the belts. The owner of the car seat registers it so they always get the mailers on any updates or changes to the seat that are imperative to know.

Good luck and glad to see you got one in time, that is a close call considering when the due date is and most likely the first item one should buy when they find out they are pregnant.

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